I just wanted to say hi to everyone and see if I was doing this right.

Justice

Psalm 7:14-16 (v.16 "The trouble he causes recoils on himself; his violence comes down on his own head.")

O: This verse is sort of the crux of this whole Psalm, as my NIV puts it, "a request for justice against slanderers", bad actors, the folks who want to be able to "set us up" to look bad and tear us down.
A: I love, and especially now need, these reassurances that God knows/sees the injustices done, and will punish those who do this to us. On the one hand, these promises and pleas make me think twice, what is deserved, or what have I done that might not honor God? But I also know that even when I do act with integrity, honesty, and meekness, I have still been trampled by malicious, mean-spirited, jealous and cruel persons (or even by unthinking, unknowing pawns of such persons!)
P: Lord, I TRUST in you, thank you for Your faithfulness, to gird me, protect me, and ultimately, in Your time and by Your means, You will give me justice where due. I pray in Jesus' name.

The Importance of Prayer

S "After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place he was about to go. He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Luke 10:1-2

O Jesus told the seventy two disciples to pray for others to join in the work before he sent them out to prepare the citys and town for his arrival. He was emphasizing the importance of not only doing what he said but also praying for other workers to go with them.

A I will pray for God to send out workers as I explore opportunities to serve Him. I will not only pray for the unsaved, but pray for other concerned disciples to join me in reaching out to them.

P Heavenly Father, thank you for the awesome priveledge of partnering with you in the opportunities you give me to reach those who are far from You. I pray for many workers for the great harvest before us.

SOAP - Unfit?

Luke 9:62 "But Jesus said to him, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."

Jesus wants you to follow with abandon. Verse 58 speaks of not being worried about physical needs like where you will sleep. Verse 59 speaks of not being bound by the needs of others that are not your responsibility. Verse 61 also speaks of not being worried about the pressure that might come from those who would not understand your surrender to Christ

Make a 'once for all' decision. Don't look back for in your looking back the furrow you plow will be crooked. I wonder how much of my focus is not straight ahead.

Lord, Keep me single minded! Keep my hand on the plow. Tune my ears to hear Your will and simply follow You. Amen.

January 9, 2009 Pastor Steve Archer

How to "S.O.A.P."

Step 1 (Scripture)
Open your Bible to the reading found under today's date of your Bible bookmark. Take time reading and allow God to speak to you. When you are done, look for a verse that particularly spoke to you that day, and write it in your journal.

Step 2 (Observation)
What do you think God is saying to you in this scripture? Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and reveal Jesus to you. Paraphrase and write this scripture down in your own words, in your journal.

Step 3 (Application)
Personalize what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, revelation of a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life. Write how this scripture can apply to you today.

Step 4 (Prayer)

This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Remember, prayer is a two way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say! Now, write it out.

You have just "Soaped"! (Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer)

REMEMBER

This is your journal, your personal tool to aid your growth with Christ. You can be flexible in how you use it, but be sure to develop a healthy habit of spending time with the Lord. Some people are at their best in the morning and some are night owls. What ever time of day you are at your best is the best time to do your devotions. "Jesus deserves your best, so give Him the best part of your day!"

I can wait to hear what the Lord is speaking to you!